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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Dietary Aide and Cook

Cresco, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes ... This is an entry-level food service position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years or older ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Altoona, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service-oriented role - we have a ... Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does an entry level cook do?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

What is an entry level cook?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

How do I start working as an entry level cook with no experience?

To start as an entry level cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply for entry-level positions at restaurants or cafeterias, emphasizing your willingness to learn and work in a team; some employers may provide on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit can also improve your chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Dietary Aide and Cook

Avera Health

Cresco, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team!

At Regional Health Services, we strive to create a positive, team-oriented work environment for our staff. Our professional team of clinical, administrative, and support staff work each day to better serve and care for our community. If you would like to join us on our mission, apply today!

Position Highlights

POSITION SUMMARY: Performs routine assignments in cafeteria, kitchen, or patient tray line, such as: serves food from counter or steam table; pours beverages, sets out individual servings of salads, appetizers, desserts, etc.; relieves cooks of simpler duties such as opening cans, preparing vegetables, making coffee, etc.; scrapes and racks dishes on dishwashing line; may clean pots, pans, and other utensils; helps put away foods after serving periods and performs other related tasks. This is an entry-level food service position.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be 18 years or older

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Experience in food service preferred.

Must complete: Dietary safety orientation and quiz during orientation; Food Safety course immediately upon hire; Modified Diets course within one month of hire date; and Serv Safe course within 3 months of hire date.


Avera Health logo

About Avera Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Avera Health, based in Sioux Falls, SD, US, is a significant player in the healthcare industry. This notable network of healthcare providers, hospitals, and health facilities serves over a million people across five Midwestern states. The health network was formed with the 1994 partnership of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, with its roots in compassionate service dating back to the late 1800s. Renowned for its commitment to providing excellent care and improving the health of individuals and communities, it has made significant strides in the medical field. Notable achievements include consistently high rankings in the top 15% of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US